Cradling bassinet

ABSTRACT

A cradling bassinet to impart a rocking, swaying or gliding motion to soothe a child occupant includes a frame and an infant receiving receptacle. In example forms, the frame is movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The infant receiving receptacle is pivotally mounted to the frame such that the infant receiving receptacle is capable of gliding or swaying relative to the frame. In some example forms, the infant receiving receptacle is removed from engagement with the frame and capable of rocking on a support surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/004,266 filed May 29, 2014, the entirety ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to the field of children'saccessories and sleeping apparatuses for children and infants, and moreparticularly to rocking, swaying and gliding bassinets for infants andchildren.

SUMMARY

In example embodiments, the present invention provides a cradlingbassinet that can impart a rocking, swaying or gliding motion to relaxand soothe a child occupant to encourage sleeping. In one aspect, thepresent invention relates to a cradling bassinet including a collapsibleframe having first and second frame portions pivotally mounted togetherat first and second pivot couplings, and an infant receiving receptaclepivotally mounted to the first and second pivot couplings for moving ina side-to-side gliding motion relative to the collapsible frame. A pairof swing arms are pivotally mounted to the first and second pivotcouplings at first ends thereof, and second ends of the swing arms arepivotally mounted at each end of the infant receiving receptacle, andwhereby the swing arms at each end thereof remain substantially parallelto each other throughout the side-to-side motion.

In example forms, the infant receiving receptacle includes a mattresstherein, and wherein the mattress remains substantially horizontalthroughout the side-to-side gliding motion. The first and second frameportions are generally U-shaped and each comprise a base portion andupright leg members extending from the base portion. In one exampleform, a cross brace is provided for connecting together at least one ofthe upright leg members of each of the first and second frame portions.The cross brace includes a first arm, a second arm, and a pivot couplingfor pivotally coupling the first and second arms together. In someexample forms, the pivot coupling includes an actuatable lock forpermitting or preventing pivotal motion of the first and second armsrelative thereto.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a cradling bassinetincluding a frame and an infant receiving receptacle pivotally mountedto the frame for swaying in a side-to-side motion along a generallyarcuate path. The frame includes first and second U-shaped frame membersmounted to first and second hubs. The infant receiving receptacle ispivotally mounted to the hubs, and at least one of the hubs includes amotor for providing the side-to-side movement to the infant receivingreceptacle. In some example forms, the frame includes first and secondU-shaped frame members pivotally mounted together at first and secondpivot couplings. Optionally, the infant receiving receptacle includes acanopy mounted thereto for at least partially covering the infantreceiving receptacle and a skirt mounted to an outer periphery thereof.

In still another aspect, the invention relates to a bassinet including acollapsible frame and an infant receiving receptacle. In example forms,when the infant receiving receptacle is pivotally mounted to the frame,the infant receiving receptacle is movable relative the collapsibleframe in a swaying motion along an arcuate path, and wherein when theinfant receiving receptacle is removed from pivotal engagement with thecollapsible frame and the infant receiving receptacle is resting atop asupport surface, the infant receiving receptacle is movable in a rockingmotion along an arcuate path relative to the support surface. In exampleforms, the collapsible frame includes first and second U-shaped frameportions pivotally mounted together at first and second pivot couplings.The first and second U-shaped frame portions include base portions andfirst and second leg members extending therefrom, respectively.Optionally, one or more of the pivot couplings can include an actuatablemember for permitting the collapsing or expansion of the collapsibleframe. The infant receiving receptacle includes an infant receivingreceptacle frame having pivot coupling receivers configured forpivotally coupling to hub extensions of the first and second pivotcouplings. Preferably, the infant receiving receptacle frame includeslower arcuate supports configured for rocking on the support surface.

These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention willbe understood with reference to the drawing figures and detaileddescription herein, and will be realized by means of the variouselements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appendedclaims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following brief description of the drawings anddetailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of theinvention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an end perspective view of a gliding bassinet according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the gliding bassinet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an end perspective view of the gliding bassinet of FIG. 1,showing the collapsible frame of the bassinet in a folded, compactconfiguration.

FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of the gliding bassinet of FIG. 3,with the soft goods portion removed therefrom for better visibility ofthe frame components.

FIG. 5 is an end perspective view of the gliding bassinet of FIG. 4,showing the collapsible frame and bassinet frame thereof in an unfolded,expanded configuration.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show end perspective views of the gliding bassinet of FIG.1 with directional arrows indicating gliding in a side-to-side motion.

FIG. 8 is an end perspective view of a swaying bassinet according toanother example embodiment of the present invention, showing thebassinet swaying in a first direction.

FIG. 9 is an end perspective view of the swaying bassinet of FIG. 8,showing the bassinet swaying in a second direction generally oppositethe first direction.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a swaying bassinet according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the swaying bassinet of FIG. 10,showing an infant receiving receptacle and frame thereof disengaged fromthe support frame thereof.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the swaying bassinet of FIG. 11,showing the infant receiving receptacle detached from the support frame,and with the infant receiving receptacle frame rocking on a supportsurface, and showing the support frame in a folded configuration.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a swaying bassinet according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the swaying bassinet of FIG. 13,showing a skirt coupled to a bottom portion of the infant receivingreceptacle according to another example embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of the invention taken in connection withthe accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure.It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to thespecific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/orshown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments by way of example only and is notintended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patentsand other publications identified in this specification are incorporatedby reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Generally described, the present invention relates to a cradlingbassinet, which may be in various forms to impart a rocking, swaying orgliding motion to soothe a child occupant. According to some exampleforms of the present invention, the cradling bassinet provides a firstmotion in a first configuration and a second motion in a secondconfiguration.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIGS. 1-7 show a cradling bassinet 10 according to an example embodimentof the present invention. In example forms, the cradling bassinet 10generally comprises a collapsible frame 12 and an infant receivingreceptacle 14 pivotally mounted to the collapsible frame 12. The infantreceiving receptacle 14 is configured to glide in a side-to-side motionfor soothing a child or infant therein. In example forms, theside-to-side movement of the infant receiving receptacle 14 is providedby input from a caregiver, for example, by pushing or pulling the infantreceiving receptacle 14. In alternate example forms, the bassinet 10 isconfigured to be powered by a motor and/or magnetic drive system, forexample, which may be connected to a 110V/220V wall outlet or otherpower source. Optionally, one or more batteries may be provided forpowering the motor and/or magnetic drive system.

In an example embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the collapsible frame 12comprises first and second U-shaped frame portions 16, 24 pivotallycoupled together at first and second pivot couplings 34, 36. The firstU-shaped frame portion 16 generally comprises a base portion 20, whichextends generally horizontally along or near the support surface orfloor, and a pair of upright leg members 22. Similarly, the secondU-shaped frame portion 24 generally comprises a base portion 26 andupright leg members 30. One or more feet 32 may be mounted to the firstand second U-shaped portions 16, 24, for example, near the cornersthereof (intersections between base portions 20, 26 and upright legmembers 22, 30), to provide a stable footing for resting against asupport surface or floor. Optionally, the feet 32 may be positioned asdesired on the first and/or second U-shaped portions 16, 24. Accordingto one example form, the base portions of the first and second frameportions 16, 24 are generally arcuate in shape, for example, to providea rocking base. According to another example form, the collapsible frame12 is convertible between rocking and stationary, for example, whereinthe rocking base or first and second frame portions 16, 24 are movablymounted to flip down and engage the support surface, which would allowfor rocking thereof. Preferably, the rocking back could be moved out ofengagement with the support surface to provide a stationary footing withthe support surface. According to yet another form, the rocking basecould be a separate component configured to removably receive astationary bassinet. Optionally, the base portions 20, 26 and theupright leg members 22, 30 extending therefrom may be shaped as desired.

In typical example embodiments, a cross brace 40 is provided between thefirst and second U-shaped portions 16, 24 to limit the extent of thepivotal motion between the first and second U-shaped portions, forexample, between an unfolded, expanded configuration (see FIGS. 1-2,5-7) and a folded, collapsed configuration (see FIGS. 3-4). Generally,the cross brace 40 comprises a first arm 42, a second arm 44, and apivot coupling 46 therebetween. In example forms, the first arm 42 ismounted to the upright leg member 22 and the pivot coupling 46, and thesecond arm 44 is mounted to the upright leg member 30 and the pivotcoupling 46. Generally, the arms 42, 44 are mounted near the midpoint ofthe upright leg members 22, 30; however, the arms 42, 44 may be mountedat any position along the upright leg members 22, 30. According to oneexample form, the pivot coupling comprises a push button 47 to permitpivoting of the arms 42, 44 relative to each other, thereby permittingthe first and second frame portions 16, 24 to pivot relative to eachother, for example, when it is desired to expand or collapse thecollapsible frame 12. Optionally, a twist button or other actuationmechanism may be provided for permitting and preventing movement of thearms 42, 44 relative to each other. Depending on the preferred anglebetween the first and second frame portions 16, 24, the length of thefirst and second arms 42, 44 can be shaped and sized accordingly.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the infant receiving receptacle 14 generallycomprises a soft goods liner that is removably coupled to an infantreceiving receptacle frame or bassinet frame 56 (as will be describedbelow, see FIGS. 4-5). In example forms, the soft goods liner isgenerally formed from a fabric or other textile-like material (with orwithout padding), which may comprise one or more portions formed from amesh lining, for example, to provide for allowing an infant or childtherein to see through one or more walls of the liner. Optionally, theliner may be flexible (but not soft) like plastic or rubber with aliving hinge or comprised of multiple panels. Optionally, the infantreceiving receptacle may be formed from a rigid, bucket-style receivingreceptacle. The floor of the infant receiving receptacle 14 preferablycomprises a mattress 72 formed from one or more panels 74 that arefoldable relative to each other to allow the infant receiving receptacle14 to become compacted for storage (see FIG. 3).

FIGS. 4-5 show the infant receiving receptacle frame 56 in greaterdetail. As depicted, a pair of swing arms 52, 54 positioned near eachend of the infant receiving receptacle frame 56 movably mount the infantreceiving receptacle frame 56 to the collapsible frame 12, for example,to permit the infant receiving receptacle frame 56 to glide in aside-to-side motion. According to one example form, the swing arms 52,54 are generally L-shaped and pivotally mount to the pivot couplings 34,36 of the collapsible frame 12 and to a lower or bottom portion of theends of the infant receiving receptacle frame 56. As depicted in FIG. 4,the swing arms 52, 54 are generally spaced a distance apart from eachother and are substantially parallel with each other. Preferably, firstends of the swing arms 52, 54 are pivotally mounted to an inside portionof the pivot couplings 34, 36 and second ends of the swing arms 52, 54are pivotally mounted to a portion of end frame members 60 of the infantreceiving receptacle frame 56. According to one example form, a recessor pocket is formed on the interior side of the pivot couplings 34, 36for receiving the first ends of the swing arms 52, 54. As describedabove, it is preferred that the swing arms 52, 54 are generally spacedapart in a similar manner at both the pivotal connection at the pivotcouplings 34, 36 and at the first and second end frame members 60, whichimparts the infant receiving receptacle frame 56 to glide in aside-to-side motion along a substantially similar horizontal plane.Thus, the mattress 72 within the infant receiving receptacle 14 remainssubstantially horizontal when moving in a side-to-side motion.

In typical example embodiments, the infant receiving receptacle frame 56comprises the first and second end frame members 60, a lower supportframe member 62 (connecting the first and second end frame members 60together), and first and second upper frame members 64. Preferably, theends of the upper frame members 64 are provided with pivot fittings 66for pivotally coupling the ends of the upper frame members 64 to anupper portion of the first and second end frame members 60. Thus, theupper frame members 64 are capable of pivoting relative to the first andsecond end frame members 60 between a compacted configuration (see FIG.4) and an expanded configuration (see FIG. 5) so that the infantreceiving receptacle frame 56 (and collapsible frame 14) can be expandedand compacted, for example, when it is desired to use or store thecradling bassinet 10 in a closet, for packing in a vehicle, etc. Asdepicted in FIGS. 3-4, the upper frame members 64 are pivoted upward sothat the infant receiving receptacle 14 is compact. The first and secondpivot couplings 34, 36 may comprise an opening or grasping handles suchthat the expanded or collapsed cradling bassinet 10 can be easily liftedand carried. In example forms, the first and second end frame members 60are generally L-shaped support members whereby lower portions thereofprovide for receiving the lower support frame member 62 and the upperportions thereof provide for receiving the pivot fittings 66.Furthermore, the lower portions generally comprise a recess orreceptacle for receiving the second ends of the swing arms 52, 54 toprovide a pivotal connection therewith.

FIGS. 6-7 show the infant receiving receptacle 14 gliding in aside-to-side motion along a substantially similar horizontal plane. Asdescribed above, since the upper and lower portions of the swing arms52, 54 are mounted at a substantially similar distance relative to eachother, and with the swing arms 52, 54 being parallel to each other, theinfant receiving receptacle 14 and the mattress 72 therein move in aside-to-side motion along a substantially similar horizontal plane.Optionally, the mounting positions of the pivotal connections of theends of the swing arms 42, 44 with the pivotal couplings 34, 36 or withthe first and second end frame members 60 may be adjustable such thatthe swing arms are not parallel relative to each other, therebyimparting at least a partial arcuate sway or swing motion. According toone form, the mounting positions of the pivotal couplings of the swingarms 42, 44 with the pivotal couplings 34, 36 can be adjusted asdesired. Thus, according to some example forms, the cradling bassinet 10is adjustable between two different types of side-to-side movement, forexample, between a gliding, horizontal movement and a swaying orswinging movement along an arcuate path.

As described above, the side-to-side motion may be provided by manuallypushing or pulling the infant receiving receptacle 14, or may be movedby an electric motor and/or magnetic drive system. In example forms, anelectric motor is housed within the pivot coupling 34 and is linked toone or more of the swing arms 52, 54 that are pivotally coupled thereto.Furthermore, a magnetic drive member receiver 70 can be mounted to oneof the end frame members 60 for providing interaction with anothermagnetic drive member of the pivot coupling 46 of the cross brace 40(see FIG. 3). Preferably, one or more controls or buttons 80 may beprovided on one of the pivot couplings 34, 36 (or provided elsewhere)for controlling the electric motor, magnetic drive system, etc.Optionally, other features including but not limited to a vibration,audible sounds, lights, etc. may be incorporated into the cradlingbassinet 10. Optionally, the location of the motive drive force (motor,drive system, or other drive means) can vary, for example, wherein itcan be located either wholly or partially in the hubs, legs, below thebassinet, etc.

FIGS. 8-9 show a cradling bassinet 100 according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the cradling bassinet100 generally comprises a frame 112 and an infant receiving receptacle114 pivotally mounted to the frame. In example forms, the infantreceiving receptacle 114 is capable of swinging in a side-to-side motionalong an arcuate or curved path, for example, to soothe a child occupant(see directional arrows). The frame 112 generally comprises both a firstU-shaped frame portion 116 having a base portion 120, upright legmembers 122, and connectors 124 coupling the base portion 120 and legmembers 122 together, and a second U-shaped frame portion 126 having abase portion 130, upright leg members 132, and connectors 134 couplingthe base portion 130 and leg members 132 together. First and second hubs136 are provided for connecting the first and second U-shaped frameportions 116, 126 together. According to one example form, the ends ofthe leg members 122, 132 that are coupled to the first and second hubs136 are generally fixedly mounted thereto, for example, wherein the legmembers 122, 132 (and ultimately the first and second U-shaped portions)are incapable of pivoting relative to each other or the hubs 136.Preferably, the leg members 122, 132 are capable of being removed fromthe hubs 136, but generally remain fixed therein when attached thereto.Optionally, the upright leg members 122, 132 are pivotally mounted tothe hubs 136 such that the first and second U-shaped frame portions 116,126 can pivot relative to each other. As similarly described above, theinfant receiving receptacle 114 comprises a soft goods portion removablymounted atop an infant receiving receptacle frame 140. The infantreceiving receptacle frame 140 generally comprises an upper frameportion (unshown) for defining the opening of the receptacle, a bottomsupport portion 142, and upright portions 144 extending from the ends ofthe bottom support portion 142. Preferably, the ends of the uprightportions 144 are pivotally connected to the hubs 136 and define pivots146. Preferably, an electric motor or magnetic drive system isincorporated within one or both of the hubs 136 to impart the swinging,side-to-side motion of the infant receiving receptacle. Optionally, acaregiver may cause the infant receiving receptacle 114 to move bypushing or pulling the same. Optionally, as described above, thelocation of the motive drive force (motor, drive system, or other drivemeans) can vary, for example, wherein it can be located either wholly orpartially in the hubs, legs, below the bassinet, etc.

FIGS. 10-12 show a cradling bassinet 200 according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. As depicted in FIG. 10, thecradling bassinet 200 comprises a collapsible frame 212 and an infantreceiving receptacle 214 pivotally mounted to the collapsible frame 212.Preferably, the infant receiving receptacle provides a first motion in afirst configuration and a second motion in a second configuration. Forexample, when the infant receiving receptacle 214 is pivotally mountedto the collapsible frame 212, the infant receiving receptacle is movablein a side-to-side swinging or swaying motion along a generally arcuatepath (see FIG. 10). However, when the infant receiving receptacle 214 isdisengaged from the collapsible frame 212, the infant receivingreceptacle 214 can be placed atop a support surface and is movable in afront-to-back, rocking motion along a generally arcuate path (see FIG.12). Thus, according to some example forms, the cradling bassinet 200 isconvertible between a swaying or swinging bassinet, moving along agenerally arcuate or curved path when pivotally mounted to thecollapsible frame 212, and a rocking bassinet pivoting along a generallyarcuate or curved path in a front-to-back, rocking motion.

As depicted in FIGS. 10-11, the collapsible frame 212 generallycomprises first and second U-shaped frame portions 216, 224 that arepivotally mounted together at first and second pivot couplings 234. Thefirst and second U-shaped portions 216, 224 each comprise base portions220, 226 and upright leg members 222, 230 extending therefrom,respectively. One or more feet 232 may be provided on each of theU-shaped portions as desired, for example, to provide a stable footingfor the collapsible frame 212 atop a support surface. Optionally, a lockor actuatable member 236 may be provided on one or both of the pivotcouplings 234 to permit the collapsing or expansion of the collapsibleframe 212. The infant receiving receptacle 214 comprises an infantreceiving receptacle frame 240 comprising pivot coupling receivers 242,lower arcuate supports 244, and upper frame supports 246. The pivotcoupling receivers 242 are preferably provide for pivotal engagementwith the first and second pivot couplings 234 (or hub extensionsthereof), thereby permitting the infant receiving receptacle to swing orsway side-to-side along an arcuate path relative to the collapsibleframe. Optionally, the lock member 236 also provides positive engagementbetween the pivot coupling receivers 242 and the hub extensions of thepivot couplings 234 to prevent inadvertent detachment in use, and forpermitting selective disengagement by an adult caregiver. In exampleembodiments, the upper frame support 246 and the lower arcuate supports244 are generally coupled together to form a substantially rigid framestructure and accommodates for receiving a soft goods liner thereon.Optionally, a motive drive force (motor, drive system, or other drivemeans) may be provided for swinging the infant receiving receptacle in aside-to-side motion. Preferably, the motive drive force can be locatedeither wholly or partially in the hubs, legs, below the bassinet, etc.

As depicted in FIG. 12, the infant receiving receptacle 214 may beprovided as a rocker, for example, wherein the lower arcuate supports244 thereof rest against a support surface to provide a front-to-back,rocking motion. In example forms, the collapsible frame 212 may becollapsed and put away while using the infant receiving receptacle 214as a rocker. Preferably, at least a portion of the infant receivingreceptacle frame 240 comprises grasping handles 250 positioned at eitherend of the receptacle 214 so that a caregiver can lift the receptacle214 from the support surface, or for lifting the receptacle from thecollapsible frame 212. According to some example forms, one or morestraps or a harness may be provided within the infant receivingreceptacle 214 for safely securing the child occupant within the infantreceiving receptacle 214.

FIGS. 13-14 show a cradling bassinet 300 according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. As depicted, the cradling bassinet300 generally comprises a collapsible frame 312 and an infant receivingreceptacle 314 pivotally mounted to the collapsible frame 312. Theinfant receiving receptacle 314 can pivot with respect to thecollapsible frame 312 to impart a cradling, swinging or swaying motionto a child occupant. In example forms, the motion can be manually drivenor motor driven, for example, wherein a motor is provided within aportion of one or more pivot couplings 334 of the collapsible frame orotherwise located on or within the bassinet 300 or a portion thereof(including the collapsible frame, hubs, etc.). The collapsible frame 312generally comprises both a first U-shaped frame portion 316 comprising abase portion 320 and upright leg members 322 extending therefrom, and asecond U-shaped frame portion 324 comprising a base portion 326 andupright leg members 330 extending therefrom. One or more feet 332 may beprovided on one or more of the U-shaped frame portions as desired, forexample, to provide a supportive footing for the collapsible frame 312when resting atop a support surface. In example forms, the infantreceiving receptacle 314 comprises an infant receiving receptacle framefor receiving a soft goods liner, which may comprise a mattress therein,and which may have an adjustable angle of inclination. Furthermore,according to some example forms, the infant receiving receptaclecomprises a canopy 340 for covering at least a portion of the receptacleand a skirt 324 for hanging around the outer periphery of thereceptacle.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred andexample embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the artthat a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within thescope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cradling bassinet comprising: a collapsibleframe comprising first and second frame portions pivotally connected atfirst and second pivot couplings; and an infant receiving receptaclepivotally mounted to the first and second pivot couplings for moving ina side-to-side gliding motion relative to the collapsible frame, whereina pair of swing arms are pivotally mounted to the first and second pivotcouplings at first ends thereof, and wherein second ends of the swingarms are pivotally mounted at each end of the infant receivingreceptacle, and whereby the swing arms at each end thereof remainsubstantially parallel to each other throughout the side-to-side motion.2. The cradling bassinet of claim 1, wherein the infant receivingreceptacle comprises a mattress, and wherein the mattress remainssubstantially horizontal throughout the side-to-side gliding motion. 3.The cradling bassinet of claim 1, wherein the first and second frameportions are generally U-shaped and each comprise a base portion andupright leg members extending from the base portion.
 4. The cradlingbassinet of claim 3, further comprising a cross brace connectingtogether at least one of the upright leg members of each of the firstand second frame portions.
 5. The cradling bassinet of claim 4, whereinthe cross brace comprises a first arm, a second arm, and a pivotcoupling for pivotally coupling the first and second arms together. 6.The cradling bassinet of claim 5, wherein the pivot coupling comprisesan actuatable lock for permitting or preventing pivotal motion of thefirst and second arms relative thereto.
 7. The cradling bassinet ofclaim 1, wherein the infant receiving receptacle comprises an infantreceiving receptacle frame comprising first and second end framemembers, a lower support frame member, and first and second upper framemembers
 8. The cradling bassinet of claim 7, wherein the second ends ofthe swing arms pivotally mount to the first and second end framemembers.
 9. The cradling bassinet of claim 7, wherein the first andsecond upper frame members pivotally mount to the first and second endframe members such that the infant receiving receptacle frame is movablebetween an expanded, erect configuration and a collapsed, compactconfiguration.
 10. The cradling bassinet of claim 1, wherein one or moreof the pivot couplings comprise an electric motor therein for moving theinfant receiving receptacle in a side-to-side motion.
 11. The cradlingbassinet of claim 5, wherein a portion of the cross brace comprises atleast a component of a magnetic drive system for facilitating aside-to-side motion of the infant receiving receptacle.
 12. The cradlingbassinet of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of one of the end framemembers comprises a component of the magnetic drive system forinteraction with the component of the magnetic drive system of the crossbrace.
 13. The cradling bassinet of claim 1, wherein the first and/orsecond frame portions comprise one or more feet for providing a stablefooting for the collapsible frame when the collapsible frame is restingatop a support surface.
 14. A cradling bassinet comprising: a frame; andan infant receiving receptacle pivotally mounted to the frame forswaying in a side-to-side motion along a generally arcuate path.
 15. Thecradling bassinet of claim 14, wherein the frame comprises first andsecond U-shaped frame members mounted to first and second hubs.
 16. Thecradling bassinet of claim 15, wherein the infant receiving receptacleis pivotally mounted to the hubs.
 17. The cradling basinet of claim 16,wherein at least one of the hubs comprises a motor for providing theside-to-side movement to the infant receiving receptacle.
 18. Thecradling bassinet of claim 14, wherein the frame comprises first andsecond U-shaped frame members pivotally mounted together at first andsecond pivot couplings.
 19. The cradling bassinet of claim 18, whereinthe infant receiving receptacle comprises a canopy mounted thereto forat least partially covering the infant receiving receptacle.
 20. Thecradling bassinet of claim 18, wherein the infant receiving receptaclecomprises a skirt mounted to an outer periphery thereof.
 21. A bassinetcomprising: a collapsible frame; and an infant receiving receptacle,wherein when the infant receiving receptacle is pivotally mounted to theframe, the infant receiving receptacle is movable relative thecollapsible frame in a swaying motion along an arcuate path, and whereinwhen the infant receiving receptacle is removed from pivotal engagementwith the collapsible frame and the infant receiving receptacle isresting atop a support surface, the infant receiving receptacle ismovable in a rocking motion along an arcuate path relative to thesupport surface.
 22. The bassinet of claim 21, wherein the collapsibleframe comprises first and second U-shaped frame portions pivotallymounted together at first and second pivot couplings.
 23. The bassinetof claim 22, wherein the first and second U-shaped frame portionscomprise base portions and first and second leg members extendingtherefrom, respectively.
 24. The bassinet of claim 22, wherein one ormore of the pivot couplings comprise an actuatable member for permittingthe collapsing or expansion of the collapsible frame.
 25. The bassinetof claim 22, wherein the infant receiving receptacle comprises an infantreceiving receptacle frame comprising pivot coupling receiversconfigured for pivotally coupling to hub extensions of the first andsecond pivot couplings.
 26. The bassinet of claim 25, wherein the infantreceiving receptacle frame further comprises lower arcuate supportsconfigured for rocking on the support surface.